The NBA Finals brings a potential elimination game to the shores of Lake Erie. The second-seeded Golden State Warriors look to lock up their third title in four years as they visit the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night in Game 4. In a tightly contested game throughout regulation, Golden State kicked into gear in overtime to take Game 1, 124-114, and take the 1-0 series lead Thursday night. In Game 2, the Warriors started fast and closed strong en route to a 122-103 win Sunday for a 2-0 series edge. Despite Cleveland’s best efforts and some weak shooting from their backcourt duo, Golden State picked up a 110-102 win in Game 3 Wednesday to take a decisive 3-0 series edge. In the playoffs, the Warriors have won two of the three previous series between the teams and hold a 14-7 edge in head to head playoff wins.

Trends:

Golden State Warriors [-4.5]

Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference

Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central

Cleveland Cavaliers [+4.5]

Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games

Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600

Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

The Warriors survived Game 3 and took their commanding lead in the series as they came up with the critical buckets in crunch time. Golden State showed they could come up with a win even when three of their stars failed to deliver much on the offensive end. One has to wonder what kind of shape the Warriors would have been in had Durant not carried them in the first half. James had a solid outing once again as the Cavaliers put up a fight but unless the role players come up big, Cleveland will have an issue here. Still, you know the Warriors are good to have a game slip away from them in a series: take the points and the Cavaliers in this one.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers*

*We are not responsible if you win or lose money in any gambling activity including sports betting.